Help, iTunes guru needed!

I would appreciate it if someone could offer me some help, this may seem a bit long winded...

Current set up: Mac Mini in office sharing iTunes library with other computers on wireless network. Powerbook in lounge connected to Hi Fi, plays music from Mac Mini iTunes via network. Huge speakers in lounge + smaller speakers run from Hi Fi in lounge to office. All good, except...
I would like to keep my current set up, but would also like to control what is being played through the Hi Fi into the speakers in my office while seated at my Mac Mini, in the office. Is it possible? I really don't want to have to run a long wire from the headphone socket in the Mini all the way to the lounge, considering that I'm already seated at the computer supplying the music I'm currently listening to. The sound quality from the Hi Fi and speakers is worth the effort.

There are a few ways to do it. You could just VNC into the PowerBook and control it that way. You could use CoverBuddy (shareware) which includes a web interface feature. The disadvantage is that CoverBuddy uses it's own interface, and while it looks nice, it's not nearly as functional as iTunes'. Finally you could use AppleScript. There are some scripts on this page, or if you're feeling adventurous you could write your own.

Note: I've never tried any of these methods except CoverBuddy with a PSP. I found that it worked, but the PSP's browser is slow enough that it was hard to use. I'm assuming it would work better from Mac-to-Mac.

Thanks for replying. I don't know what VNC is, but I can hazard a guess. I assume its a bit like ssh using a command line interface? Anyway, your response has gelled enough for me to realise that what I should be asking is "how do I control another computer on my network" and I will post such a question in a suitable forum.
I'm no techie, and will need icons, pictures and mouse type window. Hope I can sort it.

Thanks for replying. I don't know what VNC is, but I can hazard a guess. I assume its a bit like ssh using a command line interface? Anyway, your response has gelled enough for me to realise that what I should be asking is "how do I control another computer on my network" and I will post such a question in a suitable forum.
I'm no techie, and will need icons, pictures and mouse type window. Hope I can sort it.

Thanks again.

Ted.

Click to expand...

VNC allows you to see and use the screen of a different computer on your network.

Turn on 'Apple Remote Desktop' in the sharing pane of the PB's prefs and install 'Chicken of the VNC' on the mini.

why not airport express? just hook that up to your stereo and you can stream music from your mac mini, or if you are in the same room, you could stream from your powerbook wirelessly as well! it sounds like right now youre trying to use your powerbook as an airport express.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.